Theresa May calls for snap general election

General election on Thursday 8 June welcomed by Meetings Industry Association

18/04/2017

Pictured: Theresa May

Prime minister Theresa May has announced a snap general election for Thursday 8 June.

She said Britain needed certainty, stability and strong leadership following the EU referendum.

Justifying the decision, May referred to Brexit, saying: “The country is coming together but Westminster is not.” The decision has been welcomed by representative bodies for the events industry, who call for stability as the UK enters Brexit negotiations.

The House of Commons voted in favour of the election by a margin of 522 to 13, comfortably reaching the 2/3 margin needed to call an early election under the Fixed Term Parliament Act. Explaining her u-turn on an early election, May said: “I have concluded the only way to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead is to hold this election.”

Commenting on the prime minister’s announcement, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: “This election is your chance to change the direction of our country. If you want to avoid a hard Brexit. If you want to keep Britain in the Single Market. If you want a Britain that is open, tolerant and united, this is your chance.”

“The Meetings Industry Association has been calling for unity since the results of the EU referendum were announced last June. For future economic prosperity and to ensure our sector continues to thrive and the UK remains the destination of choice for international business events, it is essential that the Government is united and stable to negotiate the best deal for the UK as we exit the European Union. This isn’t a political game. We believe Theresa May had no option but to make today’s unscheduled announcement that there will be a general election on Thursday 8 June.”

Simon Hughes, vice chair of the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), said: "Regardless of the Election, the agenda for the events industry will be the same as we set out in our recent policy document 'Opportunities for Global Growth in Britain's Events Sector'. But we will be watching carefully the commitment each party makes during the Election on the opportunities that will benefit the events industry - namely trade, talent and tariffs - which remain critical to future success. Assurances that the work of the Events Industry Board and VisitBritain will both continue and be reinforced will be welcome too."